How Long Is A Cats Estrous Cycle?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Therefore, the complete estrous cycle of a cat can range from anywhere between

one to six weeks

, with the average cycle length being about three weeks.

How many estrous cycles do cats have?

They have

2 to 4 estrous periods every year

, lasting 15 to 22 days. If the cat is bred, estrus seldom lasts more than 4 days. If successful mating does not occur, a heat cycle may last for 7 to 10 days and recur at 15 to 21 day intervals. An unmated female can cycle every 3-4 weeks indefinitely.

How can I get my cat out of heat?

  1. keep your female cat away from male cats.
  2. let her sit on a heat pack, warm towel, or electric pad or blanket.
  3. try catnip.
  4. use Feliway or other synthetic cat pheromones.
  5. keep the litter box clean.
  6. play with your cat.

Can a cat be spayed while in heat?

Although

you can have your cat spayed while she is in heat, most vets would not recommend it

. This is because, during a heat cycle, your cat's reproductive organs become engorged with blood, making the procedure tricky and time-consuming. It could also cost you more money.

Are cats in pain when in heat?


Cats do not feel pain when in heat, although they may feel some slight discomfort and agitation

. The howling noise a cat makes while in the heat cycle is not done out of pain but rather to attract a potential suitor. On top of being more vocal than normal, a cat in heat may be more affectionate too.

How long are cats in heat for the first time?

“In heat” refers to when a cat is fertile and ready to mate. A cat's first heat happens when she hits puberty at six to 10 months old. Her oestrus cycle will usually last

four to five days

and, unless she becomes pregnant, she will be in heat again in roughly two to three weeks.

How often do cats have estrus?

The breeding season in cats lasts almost year-round. Heat cycles can start as early as four or five months in a female kitten. Heat cycles in cats repeat

every two to three weeks

until the cat is spayed or becomes pregnant. Heat cycles may cause pain or discomfort in cats.

How do you know when a cat is in heat?

Other signs that a cat is in heat include

it rolling on the floor, begging to go outside (even if it is an indoor-only cat) by scratching at the door and even spraying urine

. A cat will back up to a wall or other vertical object, wiggle its hind end, and spray urine to let other cats know it is in heat.

How do you stop a cat from howling when in heat?

Yowling is your cat's natural reaction to changes inside her body, and there is only one solution:

get her “fixed.”

Spaying your cat will prevent her from experiencing any heat-related symptoms, such as yowling, as well as potentially keeping her healthier.

Does catnip help a cat in heat?

Use natural remedies and pheromones to help calm your cat

Response to this herb is hereditary. Catnip has a calming effect on some cats, making others hyperactive and aggressive.

If you find that catnip makes your cat mellow, it is worth giving it to your cat while she is in heat.

Why do cats in heat roll around?

You'll also find that many female cats roll around and rub against things when they're in heat or after mating. It is

likely related to hormones and ovulation

. Any frenzied motions may also mean your cat is trying to remove the scent of a male cat before possibly moving on to another male cat.

Can a cat spay fail?

“Ovarian remnant syndrome is treated by surgically removing the remaining ovarian tissue.”

Rarely, a pet may develop signs of false pregnancy after being spayed

, due to the sudden removal of hormones. Signs of false pregnancy involve behavioral changes and the development of mammary tissue.

Can you tell if a cat is spayed?

Check the Ear: Cats are often tattooed inside of their ear to relay information about the cat. If there is an “M” inside the cat's ear, that means the animal is micro-chipped.

Any other tattoos, or indications like clipped ears, generally mean the cat has been spayed or neutered

.

Why does my spayed cat acts like she is in heat?

If a spayed cat shows signs of heat, it is possible that

there is ovarian tissue still in the body and producing estrogen

. This can happen for a few different reasons. In rare cases, a small piece of ovarian tissue could be left behind during surgery, allowing continued secretion of estrogen and signs of heat.

Are cats more affectionate when in heat?


During a heat your cat may be more affectionate

, rubbing up against furniture, walls and her favorite people. She'll probably rub with her hindquarters in particular and may frequently display the mating position with her hindquarters and tail raised.

Are cats in heat attracted to human males?


Yes, there have been cases where female cats in heat are attracted to male humans more than female humans

. The reason being the hormones of male humans and your cat's strong sense of smell.

Do cats have periods and bleed?

Do Cats Menstruate Or Bleed During The Estrus Cycle? Unlike human women or female dogs,

it's uncommon for a female cat to bleed during her estrus cycle

. According to Catological's veterinary advisor, Dr. Michelle Burch, “Some cats can develop a mild mucoid vulvar discharge which is white and stringy.”

Can a 4 month old kitten be in heat?

When To Expect Going Into Heat


Some kittens go into heat as early as 4 months

, while longhaired cats may not have a first heat until about 18 months, though that is less common.

Why does my cat go into heat every other week?

Her body is not done growing, so pregnancy may be harmful to both her and the kittens. If your cat does not get out of the house to mate during her first heat, she will continue to go through a heat cycle every few weeks until she becomes pregnant or is spayed. This may make it seem like she is constantly in heat.

Do indoor cats go into heat?


who are exposed to artificial lighting may go into heat at any time of the year

, seemingly without warning. So, in a nutshell, when a cat is in heat, it typically lasts one to two weeks. If your cat isn't spayed, they're likely to be in heat multiple times throughout the year.

Why is my cat yowling at night?

Why do cats meow at night? Your cat might meow at night because

they feel bored, unstimulated, lonely or just want to go outside

. If your cat won't stop crying at night even when they have plenty of play time, other causes to consider are thyroid or kidney disease.

How far will a female cat in heat travel?

As for how far they'll travel, there isn't an exact number of miles, but some say cats will come from as far as

1-2 miles

away.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.